J.J. Watt 'So Excited' to 'Come Home' for Texans Ring of Honor
As we near the two-week mark until legendary former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is inducted into the franchise's prestigious Ring of Honor, the 34-year-old opened up about the ceremony.
"It's gonna be really good and I'm so excited," Watt said on Wednesday's edition of The Pat McAfee Show. "I just went to the (Texans') facility last week for the first time since I left, and it just felt good to be back in that building."
The Texans' all-time sacks and forced fumbles leader detailed the few "rough years" near the end of his tenure in Houston but stated that he has nothing but love for the team and city.
"I say it every time I go to Houston, but it truly feels like a family when I step off that plane," Watt said. "It's literally like I'm coming home. They all say that they're happy to see me and I'm so happy to see them. I just love it and I'm very excited to get back in front of those fans."
Watt said that the moment of induction will be even better because of the current position that the Texans are in now.
"They've gone through a rough period down there in Houston, but to know (coach) DeMeco (Ryans) is in charge and that they've got this thing turned around...it feels really good and I'm happy for that fan base and city," Watt said.
Pat McAfee, the host of the show, was a punter on the Indianapolis Colts from 2009-16. The two-time Pro Bowler (and 2014 All-Pro) often played against Watt's Texans and explained what it was like going against the three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
"You were (Semi-Pro film character) Jackie Moon," McAfee said to Watt. "(The Texans jumbotron) would show J.J. Watt highlights for six minutes at halftime and then they'd play "Turn Down For What." Then he's gonna have a touchdown on offense, he's gonna have a forced fumble, he's gonna block a field goal and then he's going to bleed while talking s**t the whole game."
McAfee closed the interview by congratulating Watt and calling him a Hall of Famer.
Watt will be inducted into the Ring of Honor during the Texans' Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which features his brother, 2021 Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt.
